ASSESSMENT OF STATUS AND DIVERSITY OF WETLAND BIRDS OF MELEKOTE LAKE, TUMKUR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

Wetlands are vital areas rich with biodiversity that provide environment for the survival of many species of plants and animals including man. Wetlands are usually connected with lakes or can exist as isolated features in the landscape. Industrialization, population explosion, habitat destruction, climate change has led to the stressing of wetland ecosystems, disrupting the natural processes which ultimately result in the significant loss of wetland biodiversity. Wetland birds are the sensitive biodiversity indicators of wetland ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. The present study was an attempt to assess the status and diversity of wetland birds in Melekote lake of Tumkur District., Karnataka. The study was conducted during December 2022 -May 2023. 40 bird species belonging to 11 orders and 23families were recorded. Order Passeriformes was the most dominant family followed by Pelecaniformes, Charadriiformes, Accipitriformes, Coraciiformes, Suliformes, Columbiformes, Ciconiiformes Podiciformes, Cuculiformes and Psittaciformes. 37.5% resident, 30% winter migratory, 15% resident migratory, 10% partial migratory and 7.5% summer migratory were also recorded. It was observed that 02 species of Near Threatened (Asian Wolly necked stork and Painted stork) and 01 species of Endangered species (Steppe eagle) were encountered. There is a need to frame the conservation strategies to protect the wet land ecosystem with the rich biodiversity.